Meadowlands: Bella Bellini to take on older foes in TVG Mare Trot

Bella Bellini, one of only three Standardbreds in North America this year to eclipse $1 million in earnings, will look to beef up her résumé even further when the 3-year-old tackles older mares in the $175K (estimated) TVG Mare Trot final at The Meadowlands on Saturday (Nov. 20).

Already a Breeders Crown, Hambletonian Oaks and Pennsylvania Sire Stakes winner in 2021, Bella Bellini again proved she is the best sophomore trotting filly in the sport when capturing the Matron at Dover Downs on November 11 by six lengths in 1:52 2/5 with Dexter Dunn in the bike.

"I'm going to enter her," said trainer Nifty Norman on Monday (Nov. 15). "She came out of the Matron very good and it is probably going to be her last start, so we thought why not give her a shot."

While the entry box doesn't close until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Bella Bellini will likely have to face Breeders Crown Mare Trot winner Felicityshagwell S, Miss Versatility and Armbro Flight winner When Dovescry, and near triple-millionaire Atlanta, who finished second in the Breeders Crown and was an easy qualifying winner in 1:53 1/5 on November 13 over a sloppy Meadowlands surface.

"I feel confident with [Bella Bellini] against anyone with a nice trip. If she got to follow speed with live cover, she can sprint quickly and be dangerous," said Norman, who trains the daughter of Bar Hopping for owner David McDuffee.

With 11 wins and six seconds in 18 starts this year, Bella Bellini also has the credentials for Horse of the Year consideration, but Norman isn't concentrating much on that prestigious honor.

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"I never really considered that," said Norman about Horse of the Year. "The only thing I thought was that if she won perhaps David [McDuffee] would reconsider retiring her."

Norman, who is having a potential Trainer of the Year campaign himself in 2021, added that he will also start Marloe Hanover (Mare Pace), Amigo Volo and Chin Chin Hall (Open Trot) in the TVG races.

"I thought the other night [2nd timed in 1:51 3/5 at The Meadowlands] might have been his best run of the year," said Norman about Amigo Volo, who added that the 4-year-old gelding is finally over health issues and will keep racing through the winter after the TVG.

The Meadowlands will also host the Fall Four Final Four this weekend and Norman will bring recent 2-year-old filly Matron winners Venerable and Joyride Hanover to compete in the Goldsmith Maid and Three Diamonds, respectively.

"The Matron was a good race for her and she's in great shape," said Norman about Venerable, who leads all 2-year-olds in earnings with $927,295.

Draws for the Fall Final Four and TVG Finals will be available late Tuesday afternoon.